I figure that life can show you all sorts of things that you may want such as, a new Louis Vuitton Speedy handbag or a new car, but this world will show you what you really need like food, water, and shelter. People will nearly kill for the next best cellular phone that can download more items than ever on Black Friday sells. I wonder are people that desperate to obtain the next big thing? Without caring about the poor labor that major industries use to make those phones and other overly expensive items that are on some of the top super stars in the country, it makes me wonder if I am just as desperate. I love to clutch on to my Louis Vuitton handbags and my Cole Haan pumps as I go out of town for trips, so I guess I can be one of those people who is desperate for more. I work long hours, so I can purchase what I desire, and at the end of the day I realize that I could have invested that five – hundred dollars into stocks/ savings. We Americans, well some Americans, desire to keep up with the rest of the nation by keeping up with fashion icons like Chanel and Carolina Herrera, and most of us are aware that we can not afford it. Are you desperate for more?

After nine years, you see a college friend who is boasting about a new job and the big house that he/she has inquired, but you start to think about what you don’t have and you begin to be envious of your old college classmate. Trust me, I have been there. Going to college to earn a degree than you go back to school to earn an advanced degree, and it seems like you still don’t have what you have always wanted. Well, I have decided to be better by knowing that I have accomplished so much from being a young kid who grew up in a community that many consider the ghetto, I made it out of poverty, but I was able to do it by knowing that God has more for me. Americans, we tend to work longer hours for less pay and through it all we demand more money, so we can spend more on the next great gadget. Lol!

Desperate to be a more successful person requires hard work and patience. Good things happen to those that wait and that is a fact. For example, Beyoncé’ Knowles didn’t become a musical sensation over night, it took years before her father was able to get the right record deal for the renowned group, Destiny’s Child. Just like Destiny’s Child, we have to work for what we want and for what we need. What are your thoughts on this issue? Have a blessed day and continue being the best that you can be.

The ignorance behind stereotypes in the D-9 that has caused a number of members to fight at events and to feel not wanted in black fraternities and sororities. Instead of showing respect to members when performing in step shows, community service, and other good deeds show respect to members and not boo the group that is doing a good deed. It takes a great deal of maturity to give a good compliment versus some of these remarks from organizations that I have viewed in the past. Why is stereotyping used? Is it to put down one organization for another? Is it to lift up your self-esteem? Regardless, of the reason, it is sad and brings more of a separation amongst the divine nine. If your wondering if I am a member of a D-9 organization the answer is “Yes.” I am a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority member since 2004. This message is to show concern on this issue, and to not offend anyone. However, if someone is offended they need to re-evaluate the real reason for joining a D-9 organization.

Honestly, some people join based on whether legacy rights within the family and others join based on popularity, but a large number of people have joined based on the good that is conducted in the many communities in the world. When I was a undergraduate student at Wiley College (HBCU), I did not know of many stereotypes of the D-9, but once I entered school I did notice how popular some organizations were versus other organizations that were misjudged based on the outer appearance of what they were wearing. People will join an organization based on a stereotype versus how much community service is being completed. Sadly enough, my perception on D-9 organizations was that it is nine black organizations that work together to better the community, and not the number of party’s and step shows are being won.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity: Loners and that there are on two or three on every campus

* I disagree with all of the stereotypes that are listed, but they are listed for readers to see how ridiculous some people actually think about those members of the D-9. Please, feel free to leave you opinions on this issue, and it will help form some dialogue between members and non – members, but only give educated responses that will help solve this problem. The last thing that is needed, is more ignorant remarks about organizations that have been around since the early 1900’s. Thanks, for reading and have a blessed day.

In 2016, I would have never thought that shades of black would be a debate amongst African American, but it is. As I have entered several social media sites, it has come to my attention, that there is so much racism and prejudice within the African American community. It is one thing, if a person is unaware of the past issues of slavery and Jim Crow, but it is sad when a person knows the unfortunate history of their race. Names are not needed from these sites, but there are a few men and women that are prejudice against those African Americans/ Afro – Latin that are of a different shade of black. Why, you ask? Well, these individuals may have encountered prejudice within their communities. By name calling and making people feel that they’re less attractive; because, of the shade of their skin and hair type is ludicrous. Instead, of loving one another, a few people are only ripping their people apart by racist rhetoric.

It is important for people to take a moment and sit down and read the Willie Lynch Letter. Who is Willie Lynch? Good question. Willie Lynch was a British slave owner in the 1700’s that trained slave owners in the West Indies on the best tactics of controlling African slaves. This is a short version of the letter that reads:

Greetings,

Gentlemen. I greet you here on the bank of the James River in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and twelve. First, I shall thank you, the gentlemen of the Colony of Virginia, for bringing me here. I am here to help you solve some of your problems with slaves. Your invitation reached me on my modest plantation in the West Indies, where I have experimented with some of the newest, and still the oldest, methods for control of slaves. Ancient Rome would envy us if my program is implemented. As our boat sailed south on the James River, named for our illustrious King, whose version of the Bible we cherish, I saw enough to know that your problem is not unique. While Rome used cords of wood as crosses for standing human bodies along its highways in great numbers, you are here using the tree and the rope on occasions. I caught the whiff of a dead slave hanging from a tree, a couple miles back. You are not only losing valuable stock by hangings, you are having uprisings, slaves are running away, your crops are sometimes left in the fields too long for maximum profit, you suffer occasional fires, your animals are killed. Gentlemen, you know what your problems are; I do not need to elaborate. I am not here to enumerate your problems, I am here to introduce you to a method of solving them. In my bag here, I HAVE A FULL PROOF METHOD FOR CONTROLLING YOUR BLACK SLAVES. I guarantee every one of you that, if installed correctly, IT WILL CONTROL THE SLAVES FOR AT LEAST 300 HUNDREDS YEARS. My method is simple. Any member of your family or your overseer can use it. I HAVE OUTLINED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENCES AMONG THE SLAVES; AND I TAKE THESE DIFFERENCES AND MAKE THEM BIGGER. I USE FEAR, DISTRUST AND ENVY FOR CONTROL PURPOSES. These methods have worked on my modest plantation in the West Indies and it will work throughout the South. Take this simple little list of differences and think about them. On top of my list is “AGE,” but it’s there only because it starts with an “a.” The second is “COLOR” or shade. There is INTELLIGENCE, SIZE, SEX, SIZES OF PLANTATIONS, STATUS on plantations, ATTITUDE of owners, whether the slaves live in the valley, on a hill, East, West, North, South, have fine hair, course hair, or is tall or short. Now that you have a list of differences, I shall give you an outline of action, but before that, I shall assure you that DISTRUST IS STRONGER THAN TRUST AND ENVY STRONGER THAN ADULATION, RESPECT OR ADMIRATION. The Black slaves after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self-refueling and self-generating for HUNDREDS of years, maybe THOUSANDS. Don’t forget, you must pitch the OLD black male vs. the YOUNG black male, and the YOUNG black male against the OLD black male. You must use the DARK skin slaves vs. the LIGHT skin slaves, and the LIGHT skin slaves vs. the DARK skin slaves. You must use the FEMALE vs. the MALE, and the MALE vs. the FEMALE. You must also have white servants and overseers [who] distrust all Blacks. But it is NECESSARY THAT YOUR SLAVES TRUST AND DEPEND ON US. THEY MUST LOVE, RESPECT AND TRUST ONLY US. Gentlemen, these kits are your keys to control. Use them. Have your wives and children use them, never miss an opportunity. IF USED INTENSELY FOR ONE YEAR, THE SLAVES THEMSELVES WILL REMAIN PERPETUALLY DISTRUSTFUL. Thank you gentlemen.”

In 2016, I still hear the N- word being used like it doesn’t have any hurtful ties to slavery, and hear other black men and women put each down by claiming to be better than the other based on name calling like, light skin, dark skin, good hair, nappy hair, and the list goes on. I am not a light skin woman, but I am a strong black woman that believes in the power of prayer that one day that our society will become a more loving human race. I pray for equality for every man, woman, boy, and girl. We got to learn to love one another, and stop using hate. God, bless and keep us. In Jesus name. Amen!

Morning ladies and gents. For a few nights I have tossed and turned and can’t seem to get to sleep with all of the dreams of being successful in everything that I do. Lately, I’ve been having dreams of building a better tomorrow, and I find myself waking up and writing down the ideas that God keeps on giving. I believe that God talks to many of us through our dreams and if we don’t acknowledge him, He will keep on nudging until He gets a reply. God, has shown some of the greatest prophets the future of famine, plagues, Apocalypse, and Birth of Christ that changed the world forever. There have been lottery winners that claim that they were given their winning numbers through a dream. Dreams are a gift from God.

Not all dreams are like the Freight Night/ Freddy Kruger type dreams, but sometimes dreams can have a scary truth that will make any person change their wicked ways. Determine the path that God has given by listening to that deep voice within that never stops. When you’re having problems with sleeping, it may be a good idea to ask God for direction so that there is a clearer understanding of those dreams. Also, write the dreams down; because, it may be difficult to remember. Well, for me , it becomes difficult to remember the entire dream, so I jump to the floor, and write down the plan that God gives. Even when the dream is unclear, write it down anyway. The time will come when the ream will come into full circle. WRITE IT DOWN!

God, has a funny way in how He gets our attention. Right? Have you ever had that moment where you were driving the wrong way, but you were blessed with money or received a job opportunity? That was God that made it happen, just like the plan in that dream that you had on last night. Honestly, dreams can become scary when the goal appears to grand. For instance God has given a dream where there is a new job, but in a different state that will cost a great deal of money to start over. Life comes with its’ challenges, but when there is a will; there is always a way. Prepare for the move that God has shown you night after night. Moving to a new state can be scary, I know, but just imagine the blessings that await you. God, bless the tomorrow that God brings. Amen!

As I sit in my chair, I feel sadden by my thoughts that can be so negative. However, at the worse moments I look up and wonder how did Jesus get the strength to love those that refused to love him back. Than, I had a duh moment that made everything simple a I stretched myself out on the floor and began to pray. Have you ever felt that prayer can be a challenge? Well, you’re not alone. When the heart lacks faith, it is impossible to sit and pray when there is no belief. Yes, I believe in God as my Lord and Savior, but there are days where I don’t know when a certain season of grief and pain will leave.

Have you ever felt unheard as you pray? As humans, we want an answer immediately, but that is not the way God works. God, may have already answered the pray, but it may not be the answer that you want. Whether you have prayed for some overly expensive car, it doesn’t mean that is the car God may want for you. God, is aware of what his flock can handle. Patience, is difficult to handle when there has been so much hardship in life, so I have learned that God has a time that is way more appealing than man’s time. Wait or die trying. Right? Prayer, my challenge of working to be a better follower of Christ. Jesus, never said that if we walk with him, that it would be easy. Right? There is not one better way than to keep on praying until a break through comes. Never stop praying, never.

Praying can be the ultimate move that so many of us need, but something is holding you back. What is it? Is it family, friends, or yourself? Honestly, there are days where I have stopped myself from being great, it never was family of friends, but it was my selfish ways. Prayer, has given me a form of relief that people have never been able to give. The issue with prayer as a challenge may upset some people, but even King David felt challenged. In Psalms 13, King David felt that God was so distant, while he was dealing with such an intense trial that lasted for years. Also, look at Joseph as he was imprisoned and accused of having a sexual relationship with Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39). For both King David and Joseph, both men had to wait on God to get them out of the storm. Was the trial of King David and Joseph a challenge? Of course, both men had to pray and wait on God’s great plan.

Find a quiet place and pray to God in your most sincere voice, and leave it alone. Daily, I have to remember that God is in complete control over my life. I do not have all of the answers, and I know that patience is a virtue. Prayer, is not the issue but waiting is the challenge. Waiting to be healed, waiting for a financial breakthrough, or whatever. We are all a work in progress. Right? Continue to pray for me and I will continue to pray for you, daily. Challenge yourself to not worry. Challenge yourself to be more loving and kind. Lastly, challenge yourself to be more patient. God bless and kisses!!

Christian Author LaSheka Hollingsworth is a Houston, Texas resident that has two Christian based books under her belt. For a copy or snippets go to one one the sites listed or bookstore below.

Writing comes from within, and at times I can get a bit wild. Honestly, every time that I have written a book or post, I usually have to be too honest. It is never my goal to hurt anyone, but I want the reader to come into my world that is filled with both love and pain . Have you set down at your computer or type writer, and realized that you need to say something that could be hurtful? Good, I am glad that you have to write something and mean it. For my first book “What If” it was strange writing down the most painful points of my life, but I had to come to a conclusion that their are so many children and adults that have been victims of abuse, so I continued to write until I couldn’t anymore.

As I made one stroke and than the second stroke, that is when I knew that God gave me a gift to write through my pain. There are moments where all I crave is writing, and the other days I need a break from picking up a pen and paper. It can become a waist of ink, if there is nothing that drives you. My Christian faith and family are the two that drive me to do better as a person and as a writer. When I write down my thoughts, it comes to me like something has just thrown a ton of bricks on my head. There is so much to write, and so many people that I need to reach in a life time. So, when that pen touches that piece of paper, make sure to write like your life depends on it. Make writing a priority before the gift is all gone.

There is nothing wrong with fiction, but I enjoy mixing my genres into both fiction and non -fictional. My second book is a fiction, but the deep issues that the characters have encountered come from true life events. Whether writing about my sorority life or about a troubled marriage that unfolds in the church, I write like there is no tomorrow. My point isn’t to be aggressive as a writer, but to show the passion that I give from sentence to sentence. To all writers, never stop giving the audience the real you. When I first began writing, there were a few people that did not believe that writing from a Christian stand point would be wise, but I showed them that as long as I am being true to God, that I can not fail. Lastly, never stop helping people through your gift as a writer. Ladies and gents remember to write like you mean it. God, bless!

Have you stayed up at night scanning the walls for a sentence or title idea? Well, I have had the same problem as I scan the walls for some answer, that never appears. Writing takes days, than moths, and even years to complete a book. Heck, for some people, writing a check list may take a little time to finish. Some important steps that I believe are helpful is to keep a pad of paper near by, and some calming music never hurts. Also, I have learned to listen to God for every book title, character name, and topic. Writing is a gift that should never be taken so lightly. Every gift that God gives, is a blessing. Writer’s block is only temporary, so get your ideas together and start writing.

Plan a day out of the week where you will type two to three pages a day, but with distractions. Okay, I am aware that life comes with its’ distractions, but don’t use that as some excuse. Use every moment that God has given you, for his purpose. If God has given you one particular goal, and that is to write a book on Relationships, it is your ultimate duty to fulfill that goal. Again, plan a day out of the week that you can give strictly to your writing. Another idea is to ask your family and friends for their input on what appeals to them, as a reader. The audience will either love your work or not. Remember to appeal to the audience that you are writing for. For example, I write self help books and Christian Romance books. My writing style may not necessarily appeal to a person that prefers reading murder mysteries, so as you begin to write, think of your audience.

Okay, do you still have a case of writer’s block? Be patient, dear writer. Good things happen to those that wait. Try getting more z’s at night, and watch how all of the ideas appear. Remember the dream that Joseph had in Matthew 1:20, where an angel gave him instructions to not be afraid, and that he would take Mary as his wife. The best part about Joseph’s dream is that the angel gave him the greatest information of all, and that was that Mary had conceived in her the Holy Spirit. Before going to bed, pray for clarity over all things in life that seem unclear. Writer’s Block, may be a small issue to the lack of words on the pad of paper. release everything that is stopping you from be grand.

I pray that this information helps and don’t be afraid to comment. God bless, and keep on moving forward.